RESUMO
The incidence of unanticipated difficult intubations ranges from 1-3% when the patient can not be intubated by direct laryngoscope. This study was designed to compare between the laryngeal mask and the combitube in providing adequate oxygenation and adequate ventilation as well as to compare the pressor response and the complications associated with the insertion of each device. Forty patients ASA physical status I and II, aged between 20 and 40 years, were scheduled to undergo elective surgical procedures. These surgical procedures were requiring the supine position, not involving penetration of a serrous cavity or the use of muscle relaxant and expected to be less than two hours in duration. The 40 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups, each containing 20 patients. The patients were assessed for the hemodynamic changes, oxygen saturation and end tidal carbon dioxide. This study concluded that the insertion of the combitube was associated with a high incidence of sore throat and upper airway trauma. One patient of LA group develop laryngeal spasm, while non the ECT group develop this spasm. No one in both groups had nausea nor vomiting after the removal of the LMA or the combitube